Fire damages new base home Published Nov. 2, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- A small fire burned a lawn and damaged a new home on Black Avenue in base housing March 16. The Vance Fire Department quickly responded to the fire and believes it may have been caused by smoking materials. "It could have easily been prevented," said Eric Smith, fire department assistant chief. "Recently, Vance has actually experienced three other fires because of smoking materials." Before a statewide burn ban was lifted Monday, it had been in effect since November. "The ground was very dry; even with the sprinkle of rain earlier in the month, Oklahoma was still under a burn ban," Mr. Smith said. Although it is not mandatory for housing occupants to observe burn bans, the fire department suggests voluntary compliance. There is also no restriction in the family housing regulation on smoking outside the homes. "Be cautious of where you smoke and what you do with your smoking materials," Mr. Smith said. Smokers should ensure cigarette butts are completely extinguished before being disposed of. When large ashtrays are used, butts should be soaked before being thrown in the garbage. The family housing office will issue notices if excessive butts are found in housing yards. "I'm disappointed because this was completely avoidable," said Col. Christopher Thelen, 71st Mission Support Group commander. "This was a significant event that could easily have become a tragedy for this family and our community, apparently because someone discarded a burning cigarette butt near someone else's yard ... the next time we might not be so lucky. If people choose to smoke, they must take responsibility for ensuring their cigarette butts are fully extinguished and properly disposed of."